Doc Q's words carried an implication: neither Chris nor Dracule Mihawk would be able to offer Cavendish much more guidance in the future.
But Dracule Mihawk said casually, "On the road to becoming a Great Swordsman, you must always find your own way."
"Help from others can only take you so far. If you can't surpass yourself, you'll never become a Great Swordsman!"
"The war with the Pudora Kingdom is an excellent opportunity for a swordsman."
"Cavendish, I hope you seize this chance and take a great leap forward."
Dracule Mihawk gave Cavendish a meaningful look, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
In truth, Dracule Mihawk wanted to see for himself where this new path might lead...
Cavendish nodded eagerly. "I won't let such a good opportunity go to waste."
"I hear Louis Cajo, the once-renowned master of Swordsmanship, has also been invited to the Pudora Kingdom..."
"Just thinking about crossing swords with him is exciting!"
Cavendish had heard the legends of Louis Cajo many times.
His strength had declined, but he remained a formidable fighter in the New World.
His Swordsmanship, in particular, was still beyond the reach of many.
The experience he had gained would never leave him.
Dracule Mihawk's expression shifted slightly at the mention of Louis Cajo, then quickly returned to normal.
"He's still strong," he said evenly.
"If he hadn't lost an arm, I'd be willing to spar with him."
"But unfortunately..."
Dracule Mihawk changed tack and smiled at Cavendish. "If you can hold your own against Louis Cajo—or even defeat him..."
"Then you won't have wasted this chance in the battle for the Pudora Kingdom."
In Dracule Mihawk's eyes, Cavendish still had some distance to go before he reached Louis Cajo's level.
But the path Cavendish had chosen was unpredictable.
Dracule Mihawk could